Starbucks goes artisan with first Princi bakery in United States

On Tuesday, November 7, Starbucks announced that it has opened its first Princi bakery and café location in the United States at its Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle.

Just over a year ago, the mega retailer became a global licensee and investor in the Italian restaurant Princi, a boutique bakery and café founded by acclaimed artisan baker Rocco Princi in 1986. The move allows Starbucks to bake at store level for the first time ever.

Princi will become the exclusive food offering in all new Starbucks Reserve Roastery locations in Seattle, Shanghai (December 2017), Milan (late 2018), New York, Tokyo, and Chicago.

Image courtesy of Starbucks

“Rocco Princi is an artisan who, at an early age, discovered a love of bread making and through determination as well as an obsession for finding the perfect ingredients, has created an Italian food experience that I think is unparalleled,” says Howard Schultz, executive chairman, Starbucks. “His passion for authentic food and respect for Milanese culture come through in everything he does, and I think our customers are going to fall in love with Princi.”

Additionally, Starbucks plans to open standalone Princi stores beginning in 2018 as well as expand Princi bakeries into international markets.

Image courtesy of Starbucks

“Today, I am realizing a dream that I have had since I was a young man, and I am grateful to Howard for his vision to bring Princi to the world,” says Rocco Princi, founder, Princi. “Having worked side by side with the team that Starbucks has assembled, I have seen firsthand their talent as well as the attention they have given to ensuring that the fresh, authentic, handcrafted ingredients that define the Princi experience are being honored. I am excited and humbled that the people of Seattle will now be able to experience our food.”